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kitchen remodeling

How to Avoid Being Scammed by General Contractors

By / Bathroom Remodel, Home Improvement, Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off on How to Avoid Being Scammed by General Contractors

Want to renovate or remodel but fear getting ripped off? Orange County homeowners need not worry about being scammed by general contractors if they take a few simple steps to protect themselves. Remember, good general contractors book months in advance. Often, handmen scramble for jobs and tell you they can start immediately.

Immediate availability and high-pressure sales tactics serve as two huge screaming red flags. Here are other ways to avoid being scammed by a contractor.

man using laptop to check general contractors license online with state website

Let your fingers do the walking to check credentials online

Credentials Matter

Do you trust a dentist to perform brain surgery? Both went to medical school and sport the name doctor.  That doesn’t make their credentials to do the job equal.

Never hire a plumber to wire your new bathroom. Avoid contracting with an electrician to make structural changes (remove walls, etc.) to create an open kitchen.

Instead, hire Orange County-based general contractors who hold a State of California license. Make sure the license is in good standing.  These credentials assure you that the contractor passed skills and knowledge tests to prove their knowledge of safe construction practices.

Insurance Protects You

Ask for proof of insurance and bond. For large jobs, ask for a certificate of insurance, naming you as a temporary additional insured.

Alternatively, check the contractor’s bond and worker’s compensation insurance status when you check the license status online. Simply click on the license number and bond and insurance details appear.

bandage on finger

Why is this important? General contractors without liability and worker’s compensation insurance transfer their risk of loss to you.

If an employee of an unlicensed general contractor gets injured while working at your home, you are responsible for their medical care. Did you know that?

If a contractor fails to complete the job, their bond makes you whole.

To avoid general contractor scams, always verify licenses and insurance.

glasses on general contractor contract pages

Get it in writing and read the contract

Get It in Writing

When talking to a potential contractor, request a written contract outlining all details of the work, payment schedule, and estimated completion schedule.

Avoid the general contractor who asks you to pull the permits. That’s a big red flag.

Compare your estimates and ensure you compare apples to apples. Estimates should include the same features and finishes. Beware of the low-ball contractor.

When you agree to the terms, insist on a written contract. Include all project details, materials, payment schedule, start and end dates, and the dispute resolution procedures.

General Contractor Scams Red Flags

Beware of:

  • High-pressure sales tactics. Run away when told you must sign immediately to “get on the schedule”.
  • Extremely low price. This contractor plans to add extra charges as the work proceeds.
  • Requests for large sums in advance. No reliable contractor asks for more than one-third of the amount before work begins. Only pay in full once the work is completed.
  • Inability to offer references. This contractor burned too many bridges to provide good references.

Trust your instincts. If something sounds too good to be true, it is probably a scam.  Only deal with established and trusted Orange County general contractors like Inspired Remodels.

 

 

 

How to Use Color in Kitchen Remodeling: Tips for SoCal Homes

By / Home Improvement / Comments Off on How to Use Color in Kitchen Remodeling: Tips for SoCal Homes

Kitchen remodeling breathes new life into a home. In Orange County, where style reigns, creating a high-end kitchen relies on the creative use of color. From cabinetry to flooring, backsplashes, and lighting, the right color choices transform your kitchen into a stunning, functional space.

Kitchen remodeling after with Black and white kitchen design with matte gold accents

Cabinetry: The Heart of Kitchen Design

Cabinets constitute the largest visual feature in most kitchens, making their color choice critical. Consider neutral tones like white, cream, or gray for a high-end look. These timeless shades give your kitchen a spacious and elegant feel.

Opt for deep navy, forest green, or even black and make a bold statement. These darker tones create a luxurious atmosphere and pair beautifully with brass or gold hardware. Orange County kitchens that draw on the environmental beauty of our area pull in soft blues or sage green without creating dark rooms.

Ladera Ranch kitchen remodeling after showing contrasting quartz countertops

For a stunning and stylish statement, mix cabinet colors. Use a neutral base for the upper cabinets and a richer tone for the lower ones or the island. This two-tone approach adds depth and visual appeal, creating a standout kitchen.

Kitchen Remodeling and Your Flooring Choice

Your choice of kitchen flooring provides another avenue to play with color in kitchen remodeling. For a warm and inviting feel, opt for light wood such as natural oak or ash shades. These tones work well with both contemporary and classic kitchen designs. That makes them the safe choice for long-term appeal.

Kitchen remodeler after photo White and walnut kitchen with blue glass herringbone backsplash

If you prefer tile flooring, consider wood-look tiles. They offer the beauty of wood and the durability of tile. Or look for traditional floor tiles with patterned or textured designs in neutral or earth tones.

Backsplashes: A Canvas for Creativity

Planning the backsplash provides a playground or having fun with color. Subway tiles in white or neutral tones serve as the most classic choice. But modern Orange County kitchen remodeling projects often feature backsplash tiles as art. Glossy tiles in rich tones like teal, emerald, or cobalt blue bring energy to your kitchen.

White shaker style kitchen cabinets with blue backsplash and quartzite countertops

For a more subdued, high-end look, consider marble backsplashes with natural veining. These offer subtle eye-catching patterns with a classic look. Orange County coastal kitchen remodels use tiles in beach-inspired hues like aqua or sandy beige to match the coastal vibe.

Balance your backsplash with the rest of the kitchen’s color palette to maintain harmony.

Lighting For Function and Mood

Lighting does more than illuminate the kitchen—it influences how colors appear. Choose fixtures that complement your kitchen’s overall style casting the best light on your color scheme.

Pendant lights over an island or dining area allow the introduction of metallic tones like gold, bronze, or copper for warmth. Opt for matte black or sleek chrome finishes for a modern or industrial touch.

Consider the lightbulbs you use.  Cool white bulbs make whites and grays appear crisp and clean, ideal for a minimalist kitchen. Warm yellow bulbs create a cozy atmosphere and enhance natural wood tones. Include dimmer switches so you can adjust the brightness based on the mood and occasion.

kitchen remodel incorporates open concept for kitchen and dining areas

Kitchen Remodeling Tips for Picking a Cohesive Color Palette

Start with your primary palette and build from there. For example, if you opt for white cabinets, bring in warmth through wood floors and color through the backsplash. If you love dark cabinets, balance them with lighter floors and countertops.

Don’t forget to consider the colors in the adjoining rooms. This gives the entire home a feeling of cohesiveness.

Orange County kitchen and bath contractor after photo with furniture style kitchen island

Kitchen Remodeling in Southern California Style

For a Southern California kitchen that reflects the Orange County climate and lifestyle, work with an Orange County kitchen remodeler. Inspired Remodels helps incorporate colors and finishes in a design that creates a space that feels fresh and welcoming. From sandy neutrals, ocean blues, and earthy greens to marble, quartz, and natural stone, you’ll see options for materials that not only give you a high-end look but also stand up to daily wear and tear.

 

4 Fall Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

By / Bathroom Remodel, Home Improvement, Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off on 4 Fall Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

As summer fades into fall, Orange County homeowners pivot their attention from outdoors to indoor spaces. If refreshing your home’s interior strikes your fancy, check out these four kitchen and bathroom remodeling ideas. Get inspired by the work of Inspired Remodels.

Kitchen and bathroom remodeler after photo White countertops, walnut cabinets, and  blue glass herringbone backsplash

Add a Backsplash

Backsplashes make a splash in bathrooms and kitchens alike. Functionally, backsplashes prevent water from damaging drywall and make cleaning surfaces easier. From a design perspective, backsplashes provide a place to let your creative spirit shine.

In kitchens, use mosaic tiles, herringbone patterns, or subway tiles in designer colors for a classic yet contemporary look.

kitchen and bath remodeling after photo White picket tile backsplash with black accessories and dark cabinets

In bathrooms, create a backsplash and accent walls with textured tiles, glass tiles, or use marble or stone to add a touch of elegance.

Choose materials and colors that complement the existing decor, to create a cohesive and stylish look If the backsplash isn’t part of a comprehensive kitchen and bath remodeling project,

 

kitchen and bath remodeling after photo white lower cabinets, white upper cabinet, white quartz countertop

Add a Kitchen Island

A kitchen island addition significantly enhances the functionality and aesthetics of the area. It serves as an extra workspace, a spot for casual dining, and even additional storage.

If you love to cook, add an island with a prep sink or stovetop to work more efficiently. Is yours the home where everyone gathers?  Create an island space that doubles as a buffet.

Use pendant lighting to transform an island into a focal point. Mix and match island cabinets and countertops to contrast with existing cabinets and countertops.

Modern coastal kitchen design with black and white custom cabinets

Whether your kitchen is large or small, a well-designed island transforms the space into a more practical and beautiful space.

Black slab front custom cabinets with white counters for a modern contemporary bathroom

Update Countertops

New kitchen or bathroom countertops create a fresh, new look without full kitchen and bathroom remodeling headaches or expenses.

Orange County homeowners love quartz countertops for the kitchen. Unlike granite, quartz doesn’t require sealing, making it an easy-care surface.

Orange County general contractors after pic of black and white kitchen remodel

In the bathroom, granite has been the go-to option for years, but quartz is quickly gaining popularity for the same reasons people love it in the kitchen.

New countertops elevate the look of your kitchen and bathroom, giving them a fresh, modern vibe without the need for a complete remodel.

Accessorize

Sometimes, the smallest changes make the biggest difference.

Swap out the hardware on cabinets and drawers and update the look of your kitchen and bathroom without breaking the bank. These days, popular finishes include brushed nickel, matte black, and brass because they go with everything from traditional to modern styles.  

kitchen and bath contractor after picture brown cabinets with white countertop and full length wall mirror

In the bathroom, add lighted mirrors for enhanced visibility and the feeling of spa-like luxury every time you walk in the room.

Update the lighting fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom to create a dramatic impact without remodeling the entire kitchen or bathroom. Layer your lighting with ambient, task, and accent lighting to create functional and beautiful rooms.

Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling Design/Build Pros

Whether you plan on a minor renovation to the kitchen or bath, get a quote from Inspired Remodels. This Orange County kitchen and remodeling contractor employs a design/build approach to home improvement.

Enjoy a single point of contact and a team of professionals who make your remodeling dreams a reality.

Schedule an appointment today.